After spending months taking care of braces, the idea of wearing retainers can be exhausting or even overwhelming. However, not keeping up with after-braces-care can reverse the entire process.
The use of retainers is vital to keeping your teeth in their new position. Without the use of retainers, your teeth can move back to how they were before braces. Studies have shown that the first six months after taking braces off is the most vital to maintaining the new location of your teeth. This is why most often patients are asked to wear their retainers day and night for six months after first having their braces removed. Usually, if the patient’s teeth remain in their new position, they’ll eventually be able to wear the retainers during sleep only.
There are also other types of retainers, fixed or bonded retainers. These consist of wire that stretches across the back of a patient’s upper and lower front teeth with the help of dental cement. These are harder to clean and take more effort to maintain, but also usually lead to the best outcome because they are constantly in place and cannot be moved.
How long a patient needs to wear retainers varies based on the individual. To learn more about braces and other orthodontic options, please contact Dr. Marc S. Wright at 404-507-2078. The initial consultation is free and staff will work with you to find a treatment plan that both meets your needs and your budget.
